Player: James Sands

• Full name: James Joseph Sands
• Nationality: United States of America
• Date of birth: March 6, 2000
• Position: Defensive midfielder / Centre-back
• Club (senior career): New York City FC (MLS)
• NYCFC debut: 2018 (made professional appearances beginning in 2018)
• Loan spells: Rangers FC (Scottish Premiership) — initially on loan for the 2022–23 season, returned to NYCFC; also had a short-term loan to Queens Park Rangers in 2023
• Notable traits: Versatile defensive player able to play both in midfield and central defense; strong positioning, tackling, and composure on the ball
• International career: United States youth teams (including U-17 and U-20 levels); senior U.S. Men’s National Team appearances beginning in 2020s
• Honors: Part of New York City FC squad that won MLS Cup 2021

Summary: James Sands is an American defensive-minded player developed in the NYCFC academy who broke into New York City FC’s first team in 2018. He has been used as both a defensive midfielder and center-back, earned international youth and senior caps for the United States, and was a member of NYCFC’s 2021 MLS Cup–winning team. He has had loan experience in Scotland with Rangers and with Queens Park Rangers.